Early fuel tank in late model?

[hurttech]

Is it possible to swap an early tank into a late model shell? I'm picking up an 89 coupe shell and its tankless, was wonding if the tank from my 85 would go in there with little modification. I know the wiring is different but could I get it to work?


-Alex

[Jean]

it will physically fit, but the fuel in/return lines are different on the early vs. late cars.

on the early cars the fuel pump housing has the in/out lines and there is only one pump/sender.... on the late model cars the fuel pump housing only has one line and the tank has two senders (unless it's a late model 318i/s tank)... so there are differences.

[jlevie]

That can be done. Modifications to the wiring for the pump and level sensors are required. You have two choices of the pump. You can revert to the early style twin pump set up or you can use the in-tank pump from a 90-91 318is. You can't use the in-tank high pressure pump for an 89 as it doesn't have the fuel return fitting.

The gas gauge in the 89 will have to be replaced with one meant to be used for the early tank. Otherwise the gauge will read half when the tank is empty.

[hurttech]

That can be done. Modifications to the wiring for the pump and level sensors are required. You have two choices of the pump. You can revert to the early style twin pump set up or you can use the in-tank pump from a 90-91 318is. You can't use the in-tank high pressure pump for an 89 as it doesn't have the fuel return fitting.

The gas gauge in the 89 will have to be replaced with one meant to be used for the early tank. Otherwise the gauge will read half when the tank is empty.

Awesome I have both early and late gauges so no problem there. But the lines were my main concern, they should work though?

BTW jlevie, you have as much time put to my car(s) than anyone besides me. Thank you for all the help.

[StereoInstaller1]

BTW jlevie, you have as more time put to my car(s) than anyone besides me. Thank you for all the help.

I hereby nominate Jim Levie as "Best Tech Help" on R3V.

[jlevie]

Awesome I have both early and late gauges so no problem there. But the lines were my main concern, they should work though?

Having done swaps the other way (late model tank into an early car) I don't see where you'll have problems with the fuel lines.

[Kershaw]

I hereby nominate Jim Levie as "Best Tech Help" on R3V.

signed